Port Huron City Council Meeting – December 8, 2025

The Port Huron City Council met on December 8, 2025, at 6:00 PM to address a full agenda including public comment on construction issues, a second reading of proposed amendments to the council's rules of procedure (Resolution 25-137), and approval of a phone system upgrade and fee schedule. The meeting was marked by extensive public testimony opposing the rules changes and criticizing contractor performance.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of November 24, 2025, unanimously.
• Adopted resolutions: adjustment to columbarium plaque prices, 2026 federal poverty guidelines, and reappointment of Dan Down and Jason High to the Water System Advisory Council, all passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Scott Farquhar (1039 Water St.) criticized the city's practice of awarding contracts to the lowest bidder, citing delays on the pocket park, La Pierre Avenue, and the fire hall. He questioned the new contract for Body Construction for a pump station.
• Ken Harris (1521 Water St.) asked about liquidated damages for La Pierre Avenue and expressed concerns about transparency.
• Carrie Krieger (918 Willow St.) reported that a contractor flooded her basement, causing damage to appliances and furnace, and requested accountability.
• Brian Farquhar (19th Ave.) questioned the city manager's advice regarding Body Construction, noting a press conference after initially supporting them.
• Julian Ruck (Polly's Place) accused City Manager James Freed of lying about him, claiming false statements about a water deal, and expressed frustration over the cancellation of a deal with the city.
• Kathleen McCready (4014 14th St.) opposed the rules change, arguing it segregates non-residents, and compared Port Huron's rules to Troy's.
• Aaron Croner (109 Taylor St.) opposed the requirement to sign up 30 minutes before the meeting, stating it discourages participation.
• Steve Fernandez (310 Huron Ave.) read a text from City Manager Freed criticizing his negative comments about downtown, and urged council to consider second and third order effects of the rules change.
• Vincent Sudamere (4660 North Rd, by Township) alleged that Councilmember Pemberton's motion to reconsider at the November 24 meeting violated the rules of procedure.
• Joshua Harper (1920 22nd St.) opposed separating residents and non-residents, calling it shameful.
• Eileen Tesh (Algonac) presented recall petitions for Councilmembers Terry Lamb and Sherry Archibald, contingent on their vote.
• Curtis Carl (Port Huron Township) criticized construction delays and noted that non-residents who work in the city pay income tax, arguing they should not be relegated to the end.
• Betty Hall (2107 Stone) praised Mayor Ashford for listening, criticized the council and city manager, and urged support for Julian Ruck's business.
• Jessica Jeffrey (1013 Garfield) stated that minds were already made up, and questioned the point of public comment.
• Liz Bowers (Scott Ave.) complained about MDOT construction noise wall and emissions, and noted that Body Construction previously did faulty work.
• Trash the Clown (clown persona) urged council to listen to the community and rebuild trust.
• Austin Wells (Port Huron) criticized the lack of decorum and called for a higher standard.
• A resident with a hearing disability noted the lack of assistive listening equipment, warning that tightening rules while ADA access is lacking is unlawful.

Discussion Items

• City Manager's Report: James Freed addressed complaints, stating he would work with contractors, noted that the La Pierre contract was bid through MDOT, and that Body Construction had a good record until recently. He defended downtown development and responded to the text controversy.
• Second Reading of Resolution 25-137 (Rules of Procedure Amendments): The proposed amendments would change public comment order: residents and business owners speak first, non-residents and others at the end. Sign-up required until start of meeting. Mayor Ashford initially opposed, stating the council should listen to the people. Councilmember Pemberton spoke in favor, clarifying he initiated the change, not the city manager, and argued it prioritizes residents. Corporation counsel affirmed legality under Open Meetings Act and First Amendment, and explained the motion for reconsideration was proper under Rule 14. Mayor Ashford later stated she would support the change as a starting point, but called it "stupid" and cited division.
• Phone System Upgrade (BSB Communications): Approved to replace outdated phone system due to end of service support. Cost $138,339.66, budgeted.
• Resolution 1: Authorizing 24 payments – passed unanimously.
• Resolution 2: Adopting revised schedule of fees – minor increases for special services, not water rates, passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 25-137 passed 4-2 (Councilmembers Lamb, Mojrac, Pemberton, Archibald in favor; Councilmembers Peyton and Haremza opposed; Mayor Ashford stated support but later expressed disapproval; her vote not recorded). The new rules take effect at the next meeting (January 12, 2026). Public comment will be split: residents and business owners speak at the beginning, non-residents at the end. Sign-up will be available until the start of the meeting.
• Phone system upgrade approved unanimously.
• Fees schedule and payment authorization approved unanimously.
• Next regular meeting: January 12, 2026, with new rules in effect.